September
17, 1978A Chronology of Events concerning the the three Battlestar Galactica television series
The timeline below chronicles the key events surrounding the history of the television program, Battlestar Galactica, and the many attempts that were made over the years to revive the series, culminating of course with the airing of the new Battlestar Galactica television series in January 2005..
It is a story of near misses, amazing achievements, and constant controversy. Battlestar Galactica, remains, after one considers the totality to the events surrounding it, an amazingly resilient franchise and a subject of passionate debate among fans.
The content for this history is taken from website transcripts, magazine articles, press releases and a variety of sources, and is my best attempt to synthesize accounts that are occasionally at variance.
Please email me if you encounter any inaccuracies or just have some feedback at weller43@cox.net. - Mark Welller
Last Updated on Sunday, October 02, 2005
1969
As the original Star Trek series is in its death throes, Glen A. Larson first pitches his series concept for Adam's Ark.
Glen Larson talks about this original concept in an August 2002 interview with James G. Boutilier, Associate Editor of Escape Velocity on DestinationSpace.Net:
"My career at Universal started with my pitching something called Adam’s Ark. It was like a Howard Hughes - everybody wondered what he was doing in Nevada (he was one of the pioneers of aviation.) I envisioned him inviting all the people from Time Magazine, that is, everybody who had ever been famous, inviting them to a party. Then some strange rumbling takes place and you realize you’re aboard a giant ship. His computers had prognosticated the end of the world and he was eventually setting off into space with a ship that was to take the best of our planet and seek out a new world. That was the beginnings of my writing for science fiction."
This concept would eventually evolve into Battlestar Galactica.
1971
November 13, 1971
Noah Hathaway, who would later play Boxey in the original Battlestar Galactica series, is born is Los Angeles, California.
1973
April 3, 1973
Jamie Bamber (later to play Apollo on the SCI FI version of Galactica), is born in Hammersmith, London, in the United Kingdom.
1977
May 25, 1977
Star Wars is released. The popular success of this motion picture provides an impetus for renewed interest in the Adam's Ark project.
Summer 1977
Universal Studios and Glen A. Larson begin work on the Battlestar Galactica project. It is initially envisioned as a series of television movies for ABC Television.
Fall 1977
Pre-production and set construction begins on the ambitious Galactica television project.
1978
February 1978
Screen tests are done for the Battlestar Galactica casting call. Dirk Benedict, who Glen A. Larson wants for the role of Starbuck, does not resonate with ABC's casting director.
Late February 1978
Filming on "Saga of a Star World" begins.
c. March 1, 1978
Dirk Benedict receives word that he will not be cast in the role of Starbuck. Two days later, he receives a call indicating that minds had changed, and that he was now being offered the part. He arrives on the set the following day. The production had been filming at this point for one week already.
March 1978
Filming wraps up on the Battlestar Galactica television premiere movie, which is due to air on ABC in the fall. Given the quality of the production, its epic scale, and its cost, Glen Larson makes plans to release an edited version as a motion picture in foreign markets.
June 1978
20th Century Fox, later joined by Lucasfilm Ltd., sues Universal Studios for copyright infringement of Star Wars, citing 34 similarities between the Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica.
July 7, 1978
Battlestar Galactica is released as a motion picture across Canada, Europe and Japan. It does surprisingly well for a repackaged television production.
c. September 1978
Spurred on by his success, and the hype surrounding the Galactica
series, Glen Larson pitches a second science fiction concept to Universal - a
remake of "Buck Rogers in the Twenty Fifth Century."
Again, he plans to release the premier episode as a motion picture first.
Only this time, Larson plans to release the movie domestically in the United
States as well.
Mid September 1978
Around this time, merchandising for the series begins with the release of the novelization of the premiere movie and several promotional publications.
September
17, 1978
First television airing of the three hour premiere episode of Battlestar Galactica "Saga of a Star World" on ABC. This television event is featured on the cover of that week's TV Guide. (pictured right)
Most other television magazines released at this time also cover the premiere of Galactica. For instance, the issue of TV Talk for this date (September 17) has a feature article entitled "Galactica Enters Space Derby: Biblical Or Space Western, It's Way Out."
Battlestar Galactica drew an estimated audience of over 65,000,000 viewers and finished its premiere with a 27.8 rating and a 42 share.
Reviews for the premiere were mixed, ranging from The Chicago Sun Times headline calling Battlestar Galactica 'space junk' to The Buffalo Evening News' acclaim for the show as a 'superior space opera'.
September 18, 1978
Battlestar Galactica is featured in the issue of Time Magazine with this cover date.
In the course of a very few weeks, Battlestar Galactica is covered by most major media outlets. The hype surrounding the new series was considerable. Some media sources indicated this was to be the most anticipated TV series to date.
September 24, 1978
First airing of Part One of the episode "Lost Planet of the Gods."
Galactica's initial success in the ratings had not lasted. For September 24th, the series had dropped to a 36 share, causing speculation of a falling-off trend. Many advertising agencies, seizing upon this interpretation, began to get cold feet.
Lost Planet of the Gods was a very ambitious episode. One brief segment, with Colonial warriors walking through the Pyramids at Kobol, was actually filmed at the Pyramids in Egypt with a small camera crew and doubles for the actors.
October 1, 1978
First airing of Part Two of the episode "Lost Planet of the Gods."
October 8, 1978
First airing of the episode "The Lost Warrior." The series now underway, Galactica's mythic arc gives way to less grandiose weekly episodes. Lost Warrior is a "space western" story, apparently loosely based on the classic movie Shane, that involves Apollo ultimately getting into a Wild West showdown with a Cylon centurion. Though a fun episode, the production values and budget have clearly been reduced. Most of the episode is apparently filmed on the Universal backlot and what appears to be the Disney movie ranch.
October 15, 1978
First airing of episode "The Long Patrol."
October 22 , 1978
First airing of Part One of the episode "Gun on Ice Planet Zero." This is apparently the first Galactica episode filmed entirely on sets and without any location shoots, although some of the sets are large.
October 29, 1978
First airing of Part Two of the episode "Gun on Ice Planet Zero."
Early November 1978
This season's sweeps season begins.
November 12, 1978
First airing of the episode "The Magnificent Warriors."
In the middle of sweeps, the ratings news is not good for the show. By this point, Battlestar Galactica had dropped to a 28 share. ABC had previously risen from last place to become the dominant US TV network because of the immense popularity of low-budget situation comedies such as Happy Days. As a result, although Galactica's ratings were considered good in theory, in practice, the million-dollar-per episode series was easily beaten by such inexpensive studio productions as Three's Company and Mork and Mindy. The writing, at this point, was on the wall.
The Galactica production began to come under considerable pressure from the studio and the network to reduce costs.
November 19, 1978
First airing of the episode "The Young Lords."
c. November 1978
Battlestar Galactica toys first start arriving in toy stores across the United States and Canada. This included an action figure and vehicle series from Mattel and a series of models from Monogram.
November 26, 1978
First airing of Part One of episode "The Living Legend."
December 1978
Battlestar Galactica is featured on the cover of Pizzazz magazine.
December 3, 1978
First airing of Part Two of episode "The Living Legend."
December 17, 1978
First airing of episode "Fire in Space." Galactica budget pressures are evident in this episode, which takes place entirely on the Galactica, and makes extensive use of stock footage both from earlier episodes of the show and from the movie "The Towering Inferno."
December 31, 1978
A unfortunate incident occurs in Atlanta where a four year old boy dies after the misuse of one of the Galactica toys. The child aimed a Colonial Viper toy into his mouth and launched one of the projectile missiles, inadvertently choking himself to death.
1979
Sometime early in the year a
second Battlestar Galactica novel is published. Battlestar Galactica 2, The Cylon
Death Machine is written by Glen A.
Larson and Robert Thurston, and is published by Futura
Publications. It is an adaptation of the episodes "The Gun
on Ice Planet Zero", Parts 1 and 2.
January 11, 1979
Mattel issues a recall order for the Colonial Viper toy and three other vehicles. It also issues a missile mail-in for those who had had already purchased a missile-firing version of the toys. In exchange for the little red missiles, Mattel provided a Hot Wheels toy, "for the loss in play value." Mattel redesigned the vehicle line to have non-firing missiles.
January 14, 1979
First airing of Part One of the episode "War of the Gods."
January 21, 1979
First airing of Part Two of the episode "War of the Gods."
January 28, 1979
First airing of the episode "The Man with Nine Lives."
February 18, 1979
First airing of the episode "Murder on the Rising Star."
February 25, 1979
First airing of the episode "Greetings from Earth" as a two hour special presentation.
March 1979
The first issue of the Battlestar Galactica comic published by Marvel Comics hits newsstands.
March 29, 1979
Impressed by the profits generated by Galactica's theatrical releases, Universal releases the Buck Rogers television pilot, another Glen A. Larson production, theatrically in the United States. Opening in more theaters than Jaws and The Sting, Buck Rogers grosses over $20 million in the first seven weeks of its release.
March 11, 1979
First airing of the episode "Baltar's Escape."
March 18, 1979
First airing of the episode "Experiment in Terra."
April 1, 1979
First airing of the episode "Take the Celestra."
April 9, 1979
The Washington Post runs an article harshly critical of the Galactica series, and forecasting its imminent cancellation.
c. April 15, 1979
ABC announces that it is in fact canceling Battlestar Galactica.
April 29, 1979
First airing of episode "The Hand of God." This is final original episode of Battlestar Galactica.
May 18, 1979
In the wake of the successful Buck Rogers run, Universal releases the Galactica premiere theatrically in some 400 theaters across the United States.
Also on this date, Glen A. Larson is asked by ABC-TV for a two-hour sequel to Battlestar Galactica where the ship would arrive at Earth.
Saturday, July 7 - Sunday, July 8, 1979
Over the course of the weekend, the Soviet newspaper Izvestia runs an article critical of Battlestar Galactica.
In particular, the piece argued that Galactica was a means that foes of the SALT II arms limitation treaty were using to take their fight to American moviegoers through thinly veiled anti-Soviet innuendo.
The Soviet government newspaper further charged that Battlestar Galactica was rife with hidden ideological messages amounting to "propaganda of mass anti-Soviet psychosis." "Their spirit is the spirit of the Cold War," wrote Melor Sturua, a veteran U.S.-based correspondent for Izvestia who often reported on American lifestyles and popular culture for Izvestia. Associated Press reported this article's appearance on July 8.
August 5, 1979
The original run of Battlestar Galactica on ABC ends, with the airing of the last summer rerun.
Wednesday, August 22, 1979
A tragic incident. In the early morning, Eddie Seidel Jr., a 15 year old boy living in St. Paul, Minnesota, commits suicide by throwing himself off a bridge. Minutes before he had told police from his perch on the High Bridge railing that he was upset that Battlestar Galactica had been dropped by the ABC network. He was buried on August 24. The story received national media coverage. An article was filed by Associated Press which appeared in many Saturday newspapers.
September 20, 1979
The Glen A. Larson produced series "Buck Rogers in the Twenty-Fifth Century" premiers on the NBC television network with strong ratings. This first episode, a two hour introduction called "Awakening" is the same program that Universal released as a feature film domestically in March.
Late September 1979
In the light of generally bad ratings for their network, and given Larson's current success with Buck Rogers, ABC agrees with Glen A. Larson and Universal to bring back Battlestar Galactica in some form.
1980
During this year, three more Battlestar Galactica novels are published by Berkeley Books.
Battlestar
Galactica 3, The Tombs of Kobol is
written by Glen A. Larson and Robert Thurston and adapted from
the episode "The Lost Planet of the Gods." Battlestar Galactica 4, The Young
Warriors, written by Glen A. Larson and
Robert Thurston, is adapted from the episode "The Young
Warriors". And, late in the year, Battlestar Galactica 5, Galactica
Discovers Earth is published. Written
by Glen A. Larson and Michael Resnick, it is adapted from the
Galactica 1980 pilot episodes "Galactica Discovers
Earth" Parts I, II, and III.
It was also during
this year that the "Battle for Galactica" ride was first opened at the Universal
Studios Theme Park in Los Angeles.
early January 1980
ABC first starts promoting the special two part pilot for Galactica 1980 scheduled to air January 27 and February 3.
Fan response when they discover that only Lorne Greene is returning from the original cast is very negative.
The advertisements for "Galactica Discovers Earth" are carefully created to not draw attention to the fact that new actors have been cast. Dr. Zee's visual simulation of a Cylon attack on Earth features prominently in the promotional spots.
January 26, 1980
Associated Press puts out an article about the new Galactica series. It is run in many publications including that week's TV Talk. The article begins, "It isn't often that a network admits it made a mistake and tries to revive a canceled series."
January 27, 1980
First airing of Part One of the special presentation of "Galactica Discovers Earth."
The pilot scored ratings almost as high as those of the original series' pilot - supposedly around a 25 rating and a 39 share, although I have been unable to confirm those numbers.
February 3, 1980
First airing of Part Two of the special presentation of "Galactica Discovers Earth."
March 16, 1980
Galactica 1980 begins broadcasting as a weekly series with the first airing of Part One of the episode: "The Super Scouts." While ratings for the first episode were excellent, ratings drop significantly for this and subsequent episodes.
March 23, 1980
First airing of Part Two of the Galactica 1980 episode: "The Super Scouts."
March 30, 1980
First airing of the Galactica 1980 episode: "Spaceball."
April 8, 1980
Katee Sackhoff, who would later play Starbuck in the SCI FI Channel's Galactica mini-series, is born in Portland, Oregon.
April 13, 1980
First airing of Part One of the Galactica 1980 episode: "The Night the Cylons Landed."
April 20, 1980
First airing of Part Two of the Galactica 1980 episode: "The Night the Cylons Landed."
Spring 1980
At about this time, ABC announces that it does not intend to renew Galactica: 1980 for the fall season.
The show was cancelled during the filming of the episode, "The Day They Kidnapped Cleopatra," which was never aired.
April 27, 1980
First airing of the Galactica 1980 episode: "Space Croppers."
May 4, 1980
First airing of the episode: "The Return of Starbuck." This is the last original episode of Galactica 1980.
c. Summer 1980
The original run of Battlestar Galactica is re-edited into twelve "telemovies" for television syndication.
August 22, 1980
The "Battlestar Galactica vs. Star Wars" lawsuit is decided - Los Angeles Federal court judge Irving Hill rules in Universal's favor, stating that the two films were very different when viewed as a whole.
1981
The Battlestar Galactica syndication package begins airing on a number of channels. One of these is the USA Network.
January 1981
Marvel Comics ceases publishing its Battlestar Galactica comic with issue #23.
April 16, 1981
The last new episode of the Buck Rogers series is aired. Like Galactica, it had suffered from a gradual reduction in viewers over its run. As well, between its first and second seasons, the show had undergone a major rework including recasting that failed to connect with existing viewers. The series was officially cancelled on May 1, 1981.
1982
The seventh Battlestar Galactica novel, an adaptation of "the War of The Gods" is published by Berkely Books. It was written by Glen A. Larson and Nicolas Yermakov.
1983
The eighth Battlestar Galactica novel, an adaptation of "Greetings from Earth" is published by Berkely Books. It was written by Glen A. Larson and Nicolas Yermakov.
1984
The ninth Battlestar Galactica novel, an adaptation of "Experiment in Terra" is published by Berkely Books. It was written by Glen A. Larson and Ron Goulart.
The tenth Battlestar Galactica novel, an adaptation of the "Long Patrol" is published by Berkely Books. It was written by Glen A. Larson and Ron Goulart.
1985
During this year the "Battle for Galactica" ride was closed at the Universal Studios Theme Park in Los Angeles.
June 27, 1985
At the Colonial Con I Galactica Convention in Easton, Maryland: Richard ("Apollo") Hatch and Robert Thurston (writer of several adaptations for Berkely) appear. Thurston announces four original stories (novels #11-#14) are to be written. No news on any television revival. (source: Kenneth Crist, Jr.; Kobol.com)
Later that year, the eleventh Battlestar Galactica novel, a new adventure entitled "The Nightmare Machine!" is published by Berkely Books. It was written by Glen A. Larson and Robert Thurston.
1986
The twelfth Battlestar Galactica novel, a new adventure entitled "Die, Chameleon!" is published by Berkely Books. It was written by Glen A. Larson and Robert Thurston.
Also during this year, commercial videotapes of several Battlestar Galactica episodes are released.
1987
June 22, 1987
Fred Astaire (b. 1899), passes away. The famous actor had played Starbuck's father, Chameleon, in "The Man with Nine Lives".
Later this year the thirteenth Battlestar Galactica novel, a new adventure entitled "Apollo's War" is published by Berkely Books. It was written by Glen A. Larson and Robert Thurston.
September 11, 1987
Lorne Greene (b. 1915), dies. Greene played Commander Adama in Battlestar Galactica and Ben Cartwright in "Bonanza."
1988
The fourteenth Battlestar Galactica novel, a new adventure entitled "Surrender the Galactica!" is published by Berkely Books. It was written by Glen A. Larson and Robert Thurston. This is the last of the Berkely Books.
1989
With no major channels running the show, and the novel series having been cancelled due to poor sales, the momentum to revive Battlestar Galactica hits its lowest point. Rumors at the time indicated that Glen A. Larson had been interested in reviving the show, without the character of Adama, but the sales of the most recent books had discouraged him from pursuing this further.
1990
The model of the Battlestar Galactica that was used for special effects shots in the series, is restored for the purpose of a display at Universal Studios Florida, in Orlando. 35 Cylon Centurion costumes are also created.
1991
One revival rumor during this year is that a new Galactica screenplay is being considered by an unnamed Japanese production company.
1992
November 1992
1993
October 15-17, 1993
Battlestar Galactica 15 Yahren Reunion is held in Los Angeles. A number of stars from the series show up, but attendance is low. There had been high hopes that the enthusiasm surrounding this event could spur a revival of the show, but this was not to be the case.
1994
May 24, 1994
The web based Battlestar Galactica Frequently Asked Questions list (or FAQ) is first created, and is subsequently maintained by John Laroque.
1995
Rumors circle early in the year that Universal is considering development of a Galactica animated series.
August 9, 1995
Maximum Press begins publishing its run of Galactica comics with the release of the first issue of the "War of Eden" storyline. The issue sells 100,000 copies, and is the first of a number of limited series. This issue marks the first appearance of Galactica in comic book format since the Marvel Comics published Battlestar Galactica #23 in January 1981.
September 20, 1995
Maximum Press announces that Richard "Apollo" Hatch will be writing the next mini-series in Maximum's Galactica line of comics.
1996
With interest in reviving the Galactica series beginning to mount, unexpectedly, a new wave of Battlestar Galactica products are issued during this year.
March 1996
Trendmaster acquires the license to produce a series of Battlestar Galactica toys.
July 1996
Stu Phillips releases a limited-edition 4-CD collection of Galactica episode theme music.
September 1996
Richard Hatch (Apollo) launches his official web page, at http://www.pair.com/iwc/RichardHatch
October 1996
In his October/November 1996 newsletter Richard Hatch announces that "I have met with the Syndication Department of Universal Studios regarding a syndicated Galactica series. Although I haven't received a response from them, they seemed to look upon this idea favorably." He also included a poll for fans to fill out, and announced he was working on a draft for an upcoming Galactica novel, which was due by February 15, 1997
November 20, 1996
Maximum Press ends its regular publishing run of Galactica comics with the release of the last issue of the "Journey's End" storyline.
December 1996
December 1996 marked the release of several Galactica related products - a set of 72 trading cards from Dart Cards, a new line of Trendmasters action figures, and the re-release of the Galactica models from Revell/Monogram. Exclusive Dart trading cards were also available in the late-1996 video re-release of the 11 currently available home videos, and each of the two Revell/Monogram models.
1997
January 3, 1997
Maximum Press publishes "Athena's Quest" a one shot comic book that compiles the Battlestar Galactica stories that had previously appeared in Maximum's Asylum magazine, issues #4, 5, and 7.
February 19, 1997
Maximum Press publishes "The Compendium," a one shot comic book that compiles the Battlestar Galactica stories that had previously appeared in Maximum's Asylum magazine, issues #1, 2, 3, 10. This is their last Galactica publication of any kind.
May 1997
MCA releases the first new BG videos since 1986 - "Lost Planet of the Gods", and "Gun on Ice Planet Zero". These mark the first time a full two-hour episode has appeared on home video.
July 9, 1997
Byron Press publishes Armageddon, an original Battlestar Galactica book written by series star Richard Hatch who played the role of Apollo. In the book, Apollo, who commands the Galactica after his father's death is forced to battle charges of treason, while struggling to defeat the deadly Cylons and their ally, Count Iblis.
December 31, 1997
Realm Press starts publication of a new Battlestar Galactica comic which ignores both the Marvel and Maximum Press storylines and begins with the end of the episode "Hand of God." The first issue is called the "Law of Volahd."
1998
January 1998
On his website, Richard Hatch announces his attention to begin work on a Battlestar Galactica film clip or "trailer" to be used in promoting a new Battlestar Galactica series.
March 10, 1998
Lloyd Bridges, the veteran actor who played Commander Cain in "The Living Legend", dies at the age 85.
August 1998
Filming begins on Richard Hatch's Battlestar Galactica trailer.
September 1998
Pocket Books releases a second Galactica book by Richard Hatch entitled Warhawk. Continuing the story that began in Armageddon, the remnants of the Twelve Colonies - led by heroic Apollo, his sister Athena, and best friend Starbuck - travel through space looking for the legendary planet called Earth.
September 3 - 6, 1998
The Battlestar Galactica 20th Yahren Reunion is held at the Los Angeles Hilton. Attendees include Richard Hatch, John Colicos, Terry Carter, Anne Lockhart, Laurette Spang, Jack Stauffer, Sarah Rush, Ron Kelly, Terrence McDonnell and Jim Carlson. The event was a tremendous success, particularly when compared with the somewhat disappointing attendance at the 15th Yahren Reunion in 1993.
Portions of the trailer were shot on September 6, with Terry Carter and John Colicos.
October 14, 1998
Realm Press begins its second volume of Galactica comics with the first installment of the "Search for Sanctuary" storyline. This storyline would not be completed, however, as publication was abruptly interrupted.
1999
March 10, 1999
Glen A. Larson, the man who originally conceived of Battlestar Galactica, together with Todd Meyers of Wing Commander fame, announce a project for a Battlestar Galactica movie, and shortly thereafter launch an internet site to promote it and the special effects house that would be working on the project, No Prisoners. This project competes with the previously announced proposal by Richard Hatch.
June 1999
JMJ Press takes ownership of Realm Press and resumes publication of the Battlestar Galactica comic book, starting with issue one of "Year Three."
Also this month, Richard Hatch finishes the majority of the work on his professional film trailer, part of his effort to bring back Battlestar Galactica. Titled Battlestar Galactica: The Second Coming, the trailer is to be shown at various personal appearances. Set twenty years after the original series, the trailer features various cast members of the original series who were available for the filming.
July 3, 1999
The partially complete Battlestar Galactica trailer is shown at DragonCon in Atlanta to rave reviews from fans.
Excitement about a potential revival of the series increases throughout this year and the next, as more and more fans are able to see the trailer at the various convention appearances of Richard Hatch.
July 30, 1999
Entertainment Weekly publishes a story on the competing Battlestar Galactica projects, likening it to the battle between Qui-Gon Jinn and Darth Maul in that summer's blockbuster movie, Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace.
August 13, 1999
Richard Hatch's completed Battlestar Galactica trailer debut's at the San Diego ComicCon.
September 16, 1999
In an interview with SFX Magazine, Dirk "Starbuck" Benedict talks about the two Galactica projects and indicates that he thinks it is "silly" for Glen A. Larson and Richard Hatch not to be working together.
October 4-10, 1999
In an interview with SFX Magazine, Glen A. Larson reveals he is considering doing Battlestar Galactica as a 50 minute IMAX movie.
2000
January 2000
Space: The Imagination Station in Canada begins airing Battlestar Galactica reruns.
Meanwhile, Glen A. Larson is disputing with Universal Studios over the complex matter of copyright. Both Universal and Larson claim to have exclusive motion picture rights for Battlestar Galactica.
March 6, 2000
John Colicos, who played the role of Baltar, passes away.
June 2000
Universal and Glen A. Larson apparently settle their rights dispute out of court. According to at least some sources, Mr. Larson emerges from the negotiations with the motion picture rights to Battlestar Galactica firmly his.
Summer 2000
Unceremoniously, the website promoting the Glen A. Larson Galactica movie goes off-line. This project appears to be dead for all intents and purposes.
July 16, 2000
The Sci-Fi Channel documentary series Sciography airs a show which features Battlestar Galactica. Both Battlestar Galactica and Galactica 1980 are explored, with commentary by original cast members and producers, among others. The separate revival efforts of series creator Glen A. Larson and series star Richard Hatch are briefly discussed as well.
August 11, 2000
No Prisoners, the effects house hired by the Glen A. Larson project, shows its own Battlestar Galactica trailer to a select audience. A computer graphics clip, it was created for the most part about a year previous.
Fall 2000
JMJ and Realm Press announce their decision to end publication of Battlestar Galactica comics.
2001
February 22, 2001
Variety, the entertainment industry trade magazine, announces that director Bryan Singer (of X-Men movie fame) would be steering a re-launch of Battlestar Galactica series.
The article went on to indicate that Singer had made a deal with Studios USA to reinvent the series and executive produce it with Tom DeSanto, and that he would direct the pilot if it did not conflict with the shooting schedule of X-Men 2. The producers were hopeful of getting the series a prime time slot on a network, and possibly a dual window scenario with the SciFi Channel.
The article also noted the drama would be shepherded by USA Senior VP of dramatic programming Dan Pasternack, with creator Larson also aboard.
mid May 2001
Rumors circulate that UPN (Paramount Studios' television network) will be the home of the new Battlestar Galactica series.
early June 2001
The BattlestarGalactica2000.com website that had previously promoted the Glen Larson Galactica movie project, reappears, this time as a site selling memorabilia from the series.
June 12, 2001
In an interview on Cinemax.com, Bryan Singer reveals that "It is my hope to have the Battlestar Galactica pilot shot this year."
June 29, 2001
FOX broadcasting confirms that it has ordered a pilot for an updated version of Battlestar Galactica. If picked up as a series, Galactica would run in the 2002-2003 television season on the FOX television network.
c. August 2001
Fan response to the new Galactica production remains mixed, as a series of rumors are placed on the web suggesting some unlikely scenarios such as a show where all the crew are teenagers (Galactica 90210) and one concept where the show does not feature a Battlestar named Galactica but rather a different ship. There is considerable concern expressed by some fans that the new show will not feature characters from the old series.
October 16, 2001
The new Battlestar Galactica production issues a casting call for the pilot episode, which is to be shot in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
October 18, 2001
Shooting dates for the new series are announced on the 13thStreet.com website in an article which read as follows:
"December 11, 2001 to February 14, 2002: those are the dates we've been given as to when the new Battlestar Galactica series will shoot. The two-hour pilot will be directed by Bryan Singer (X-Men, The Usual Suspects), with Singer and fellow X-Men alumni Tom DeSanto serving as producers. Also onboard are Billy Brown and Dan Angel, the producers of FOX's Night Visions. Brown and Angel will also serve as producers on the new Galactica as well as act as the series' show runners.
As well, we've also heard through the grapevine that computer graphic artists are in the process of being hired for the series. They will create the new looks for the Galactica's fighters, called Vipers, as well as the new Cylon attack craft.
No casting decisions have been announced, and it still remains unknown whether the new Galactica will incorporate any of the original series characters. Sources say that FOX has inked a likely fall 2002 date for the show's premiere episode."
November 2, 2001
A setback on the new Battlestar Galactica production.
It is announced that Bryan Singer, co-Executive Producer and Director for the pilot episode has opted to leave the project to focus on Fox's X-Men 2 movie. While this is a major setback for the production (with eight weeks until filming begins, including finished sets at the Vancouver, B.C. location), Executive Producer Tom DeSanto states that the production is still alive for the moment.
November 9, 2001
A campaign to save the struggling DeSanto projects begins. The Battlestar Galactica.com website (which is run in conjunction with Richard "Apollo" Hatch) provides a series of templates to be used in a letter writing campaign by fans, as well as an on-line petition to save the series.
Faced with the demise of the production, a solid rapprochement is established between members of the fan community and Mr. DeSanto.
Also on November 9, 2001
Further clarification on the situation from the RichardHatch.com website: "I'm sure most of you know by now that Bryan Singer has had to drop out as the director of the pilot. He had a prior commitment to direct X-Men 2, and as a result of the unfortunate timing and scheduling of the Battlestar Galactica pilot, he has had to turn his attentions to his prior commitment. As a result of his departure and the delays it may cost the production, Fox has decided to move on for the time being to prepare for their next fall's schedule. Nothing is certain, but Fox's deal with Tom and Galactica could be restructured in the near future and put back on the fast track. "
November 24, 2001
In responding to some confusion in the fan community as to what design would be used for the new Cylon centurions, Tom DeSanto confirmed that former ILM art director Guy Dyas was hired by the Battlestar Galactica production to produce a new design for the Cylons. He further stated on the BattlestarGalactica.com website that the first set of the new centurion armor would be cast during the next week.
December 2001
With the Fox Network no longer supportive, the Battlestar Galactica production offices
close their doors in Universal City, California. Sometime after that
the Vancouver offices close as well.
2002
March 2002
"Battlestar Galactica Classic" novel is published, retailing for US$14.00 with 416 pages, and featured the full text of the original novels for "Saga of a Star World" and "The Gun on Ice Planet Zero."
March 12, 2002
From the Battlestar Galactica.com website: "While the Fox Network turned down the new Battlestar Galactica production in November 2001, we understand that the production is still supported by StudiosUSA/ Vivendi Universal, although nothing new/official as of late has been provided to us to post. Bear with us as we endeavor to bring you whatever official news we're provided directly from the producer, Tom DeSanto."
THE RE-IMAGINED SERIES
April 2, 2002
Variety, the entertainment industry magazine, reports that the Sc-Fi Channel is planning a remake of the TV series Battlestar Galactica as a four-hour miniseries. This is part of an "aggressive investment in original programming, " according said Bonnie Hammer, president of Sci-Fi Channel. Hammer further indicated the impending takeover of Sci-Fi Channel by Vivendi Universal was already showing benefits with "Battlestar Galactica," which, Hammer said, is "one of Universal's library assets that we'll be able to re-imagine in miniseries form."
A further article is posted on the Zap2It website relating the following:
"BATTLESTAR GALACTICA (4-hour miniseries) - SCI FI re-imagines the groundbreaking and beloved series in which ``a rag, tag fugitive fleet'' of the last remnants of mankind searches for its true home. Fleeing the aliens responsible for the slaughter of their homeworld, the Battlestar Galactica survivors must meet a whole new set of challenges. This intriguing twist on a classic will be written by writer Ronald D. Moore (Roswell, Mission Impossible II) with Breck Eisner (Steven Spielberg's Taken; The Invisible Man) attached to direct. Distributed by USA Cable Entertainment, the project will be executive produced by David Eick (American Gothic, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Spy Game)."
This production is unrelated to any prior revival attempts. (According to some sources, Tom DeSanto was not consulted before this announcement was made, and was surprised to hear of the new production.)
c. April 5, 2002
New petitions shortly appear on the Battlestar Galactica.com website, urging the Sci-fi Channel to reconsider doing a remake of the original series, and instead focus on doing a sequel featuring the original characters.
May 4, 2002
Ronald D. Moore, who has been given the task of writing the script for the new Battlestar Galactica mini-series, responds to Michael Faries of Battlestar Galactica.com with the following email:
"I read your open letter, and yes, I would like to keep open the lines of communication with the BG fans out there. I'm aware of the controversy in the fan community regarding the new series, and I'm sympathetic to it. I can completely understand the reaction of people who had been hoping for a particular vision of the show and are now faced with a different project. If I'd had my heart set on something, only to learn that it was not to be, I'd be upset too."
"That said, I hope that you and the other fans of BG will be willing to give this new series a chance and that you'll at least accept my word that I approach this material with nothing but the best intentions to produce a show that does speak to the heart of the "Galactica" mythos and one that all of us can come to love and enjoy. I truly believe this is a great project and I think that it'll be a lot of fun to both produce and watch."
May 16, 2002
Ronald D. Moore does an exclusive interview with the website Sci-Fi Pulse, which is posted on their website on this date.
In part, Mr. Moore states, "The basis of the mini-series will be a retelling of the origin story; that is, the events that cause Galactica and the fugitive fleet to begin their journey. There will be familiar characters from the original show, and new ones as well. I’m trying to flesh out the
back story of what led up to these cataclysmic events as well as round out many of the characters and their relationships. I can tell you that both the studio and the network were very happy with the outline and that things are going exceptionally well with this project so far."
July 2002
Richard Hatch's fourth original Battlestar Galactica book, "Battlestar Galactica: Rebellion" is released.
July 15, 2002
Shooting was due to begin on the new Battlestar Galactica mini-series. However, some online sources at the time suggested the Sci-Fi Channel had not yet received a script from Ronald Moore at this point.
August 10, 2002
The BattlestarGalactica.com website publishes the following: "We've received indicators that the current Battlestar Galactica production is facing setbacks. While no official comments have been shared, we are understandably curious, particularly as the majority of Battlestar Galactica fans have supported a continuation of the original series, not the currently planned "re-imagining."
August 21, 2002
Rumors continue to spiral around the new Battlestar Galactica project. Notes appear on various websites indicating that the project is over budget, that it is on hiatus, and that Ronald D. Moore is no longer affiliated with the production. It is impossible to verify these various claims at the time, and all of these claims are later shown to be inaccurate.
September 3, 2002
Ronald D. Moore
makes a post on the Sci-Fi Channel's online Battlestar Galactica message board
to indicate that the new Galactica series is still very much alive, although a
green light has not yet been given for full production. In part he
writes "..contrary to popular belief, [the Battlestar Galactica miniseries]
has not been cancelled, shelved, put into deep freeze or otherwise buried in the
hell that is TV development." Moore would subsequently post
messages on the message board clarifying that a good sized budget number had
been discussed with the studio, and that it was his idea, and not that of the
Sci-Fi Channel, to proceed with a re-imagining of the original series as opposed
to a continuation.
October 2, 2002
Michael Faries of BattlestarGalactica.com posts the first Question & Answer session with Ronald D. Moore regarding the proposed Battlestar Galactica mini-series on the Sci-Fi Channel. In this series of questions, Mr. Moore explains in detail why, from a dramatic perspective, he decided to write the mini-series as a remake as opposed to a continuation of the original series.
November 3, 2002
Jonathan Harris, who performed the voice of Lucifer in Galactica, passes away in Los Angeles at the age of 88.
December 3, 2002
The Production
Weekly website reports the sci-fi franchise Battlestar Galactica will be
relaunched as a four-hour miniseries that will shoot in Vancouver mid-to-late
March.
December 28, 2002
Reviews of the finalized Battlestar Galactica miniseries script first appear on-line with a posting on Film Jerk.com Reaction to the described plot elements and character outlines from the established community of fans is scathing. Of particular concern to fans is the change in tone, particular with regard to relationships within the military, and the change of Starbuck from a male to a female character.
January 29, 2003
TV Guide publishes an interview with Bonnie Hammer, President of the SCIFI Channel, about the upcoming Battlestar Galactica miniseries. In part she indicates that the new series will be more fun that the previous one, with a different sensibility, and that SCIFI is hoping to reinvent the space opera with this production.
January 31, 2003
In an interview with Zap2It.com, Ronald D. Moore reveals, "My work with 'Battlestar' is essentially done. The lion's share of it was hammering out the script and getting things in motion with [producer] David Eick and the preproduction process. Then I had to cross over and pretty much focus on 'Carnivale.'" Carnivale is a new series for HBO set during the Great Depression of the 1930s.
February 1, 2003
The shooting schedule for the new production is announced. March 24 to June 6, 2003 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Previously, the Tom DeSanto project had been scheduled to film in Vancouver from December 2001 to February 2002.
February 3, 2003
A website to coordinate an effort by fans to boycott the new Galactica miniseries goes online at http://www.bsgboycott.cjb.net/ Over the course of the next year, there is a huge online effort by fans of the original series to attempt to convince the Sci-Fi Channel to do a continuattion of the old series as opposed to a remake or "reimagining." At times, the exchanges between supporters of the new production and fans of the old series become a bit heated.
February 5, 2003
SCI FI's site for classic Battlestar
Galactica is revamped.
February 13, 2003
The SCI FI Channel announces that it has "cast the key roles of Starbuck and Apollo for its upcoming original miniseries Battlestar Galactica, based on the 1978-'80 TV series. Oregon native Katee Sackhoff (Halloween: Resurrection), 22, will play a female Starbuck in executive producer Ronald D. Moore's reimagination of the series, SCI FI announced.
Meanwhile, British actor Jamie Bamber (HBO's Band of Brothers), 29, will play Apollo. In the original series Starbuck was a male character played by Dirk Benedict, while Apollo was played by Richard Hatch.
The four-hour Galactica miniseries, from Roswell and Star Trek: The Next Generation veteran Moore, is slated to debut later this year."
February
21, 2003
The Sci-Fi Channel launches a new website for the
original miniseries event Battlestar Galactica.
March 3, 2003:
On SCI
FI Wire, the Sci-Fi Channel's genre news website, it is
announced that Edward James Olmos has been cast as Commander Adama
early March 2003
The first fan website dedicated to the new series comes online.
March 24, 2003
Production begins in Vancouver, British Columbia, on the new Battlestar Galactica miniseries.
March 31, 2003
David Eick, the executive producer of SCI FI's upcoming miniseries event Battlestar Galactica, begins answering a series of fan questions on the new website about the "modern reimagining of the classic series."
April 25, 2003
Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games) announced
today that the universe of the classic science fiction TV series Battlestar
Galactica will expand in the form of a multi-platform video game. Battlestar
Galactica will debut on both the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment
system and the Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft in fall 2003.
May 30, 2003
In a story on Sci-Fi Wire, it is revealed that the "reimagined" show will mix design elements from the original 1970s TV series with new designs.
Early June 2003
Filming winds up on Battlestar Galactica in Vancouver.
June 2, 2003
The Sci-Fi Channel's Galactica site is relaunched with a new downloads section,
a cast and crew list; and bios of Edward
James Olmos and Mary
McDonnell.
September 17, 2003
25th anniversary of when the classic Battlestar Galactica series first aired.
October 21, 2003
The complete classic Battlestar Galactica series is released in a DVD boxed set, in addition to a separate DVD of the Battlestar Galactica theatrical release.
October 24-26, 2003
Galacticon 2003, the 25th Anniversary Salute to the Stars, Producers, Writers and Crew of the Original 1978/79 Battlestar Galactica television series, was held in Los Angeles at the Sheraton Universal Hotel. This was the largest gathering ever of Battlestar Galactica guests.
Richard Hatch would later refer to October 24, 2003 as a "day of reckoning" where he was able to meet with Ronald Moore the architect of the new Battlestar Galactica, which was so different from Richard's vision of a continuation of the old series.
November 2003
A book entitled Battlestar Galactica - The Unofficial Companion is released.
November 17, 2003
The cable in the classroom Battlestar Galactica segment designed for use by high school educators is first broadcast on the Sci-Fi Channel.
November 18, 2003
Sony Playstation version of the new Battlestar Galactica game is released.
November 21, 2003
Microsoft XBox version of the new Battlestar Galactica game is released.
early December 2003
25th anniversary edition of the classic Battlestar Galactica soundtrack album is released.
Also, a repackaging of the novelization of The Young Lords is released as Battlestar Galactica Classic, Book 3: The Young Warriors.
December 3, 2003
Hollywood premiere of the Battlestar Galactica miniseries.
December 7, 2003
Richard Hatch's fourth Battlestar Galactica book, Paradis, is released.
December 8, 2003
First part of the original Battlestar Galactica Miniseries airs on the Sci-Fi Channel.
The broadcast was very successful. Ratings for the broadcast were very good at 3.9 million people. The Sci-Fi Channel was extremely satisfied with the results.
Tuesday, December 9, 2003
Second part of the original Mini Series Battlestar Galactica aired on the Sci-Fi Channel.
Initial ratings for the second part were even better than for the first part, something very unusual for a miniseries.
The
BG miniseries on the Sci-Fi Channel was the most-watched cable program on
Tuesday, December 9, beating both WB and UPN in audience with 4.46
million. The program won Sci-Fi its best night of the year overall.
Battlestar pulled in the third largest audience in Sci Fi channel's history. Only Dune and Taken are ahead of it in total numbers.
The combined numbers for the miniseries made Battlestar Galactica the most watched original miniseries on cable television for 2003.
(Of course, it bears noticing how much more competitive the television market is today as compared to 25 years ago when Battlestar Galactica, which ultimately was cancelled, drew an estimated audience of over 65,000,000 viewers for its first episode.)
December 16, 2003
The first rumors circulate that the new Battlestar Galactica has been picked up as a series by the Sci-FI Channel.
December 24, 2003
An official commemorative DVD of the 2003 Galacticon convention is due to be released.
January 28, 2004
A new set of classic Battlestar Galactica trading cards is released.
February 3, 2004
Actors options for a proposed new Battlestar Galactica series are renewed.
February 10, 2004
The Sci-Fi Channel announces that it has finally green-lit a 13-episode order for Ronald Moore's newly re-imagined BATTLESTAR GALACTICA.
April 2, 2004
Richard Hatch confirmed that he will be appearing in an episode of the new Battlestar Galactica series in a new role.
In one interview, Hatch indicates that he had fought hard for a continuation of the old series for five years, but that this ultimately had not succeeded.
April 19, 2004
The new Battlestar Galactica series starts shooting in Vancouver, British Columbia.
May 11, 2004
Richard Hatch flies up to Vancouver to do a read through with the cast of Battlestar Galactica.
May 19, 2004
Battlestar Galactica series website goes online at
Scifi.com
July 24, 2004
The Battlestar Galactica series' stars plus Ron Moore and David Eick appear at the Battlestar Galactica panel at Comic-Con International in San Diego, and at the SCI FI Channel booth.
September 15, 2004
After almost five months of work, the new Battlestar Galactica series concludes shooting in Vancouver, British Columbia for it's first season.
October 18, 2004
Premier of the new Battlestar Galactica series in the United Kingdom with the airing of the episode "33" on Sky One.
October 25, 2004
Battlestar Galactica series episode 2 "Water" airs on Sky One in the United Kingdom.
November 1, 2004
Battlestar Galactica series episode 3 "Bastille Day" airs on Sky One in the United Kingdom.
November 8, 2004
Battlestar Galactica series episode 4 "Act of Contrition" airs on Sky One in the United Kingdom.
November 15, 2004
Battlestar Galactica series episode 5 "You Can't Go Home Again" airs on Sky One in the United Kingdom.
November 22, 2004
Battlestar Galactica series episode 6 "Litmus" airs on Sky One in the United Kingdom.
c. November 25, 2004
Ronald Moore and David Eick, the producers of Battlestar Galactica, post an open letter on the Sci-Fi Channel's bulletin board discouraging fans from downloading copies of the show, ripped from the UK broadcasts.
November 29, 2004
Battlestar Galactica series episode 7 "Six Degrees of Separation" airs on Sky One in the United Kingdom.
December 6, 2004
Battlestar Galactica series episode 8 "Flesh and Bone" airs on Sky One in the United Kingdom.
December 13, 2004
Battlestar Galactica series episode 9 "Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down" airs on Sky One in the United Kingdom.
December 27, 2004
Battlestar
Galactica continuation talks are continuing?
Classic Series somposer Stu Phillips responded to an inquiry made today on the
Media Blvd. website by Galactica TV co-owner and Ragnar Anchorage contributor
Jim Iaccino concerning whether Larson still intended to do a continuation movie
(or not). Stu indicated that he "had lunch with Glen Larson about 5 or 6
weeks ago. He says that he is still working on getting BSG on the big screen. As
yet, nothing definite." Stu then wished Happy Holidays to all of the BSG
fans.
December 28, 2004
The Sci Fi Battlestar Galactica miniseries is released on DVD in the United States and Canada.
January 3, 2005
Battlestar Galactica series episode 10 "The Hand of God" airs on Sky One in the United Kingdom.
January 8, 2005
NBC runs a 3 hour trimmed down version of the Battlestar Galactica miniseries as a movie on Saturday night.
Rumors abound that NBC would like to pick up the series as well.
January 10, 2005
Battlestar Galactica series episode 11 "Colonial Day" airs on Sky One in the United Kingdom.
January 12, 2005
Sci-Fi Channel runs a complete re-airing of the miniseries beginning at 7:00 p.m. and running until 11:00 PM., and re-airs it again the following evening.
January 13 - 14, 2005
Interestingly, in the middle of all the new Galactica hype, the Sci-Fi Channel airs the entire series of Galactica 1980 in its daytime schedule over the course of two days.
Friday, January 14, 2005
Premier of the new Battlestar Galactica
series in the United States with the airing of "Battlestar
Galactica - The Series - The Lowdown" - the half documentary and
promotional piece, and then two new episodes. The "Lowdown"
first aired at 8:30 PM on the Sci Fi Channel, then the first new episode aired
at 9:00 PM and the second at 10:00 PM.
First airing of episode "33." This is final original episode of the new Battlestar Galactica to air in the United States.
Also on this date is the first airing of episode "Water" in the United States on Sci-Fi.
Also on this date there is posted on the Sci-Fi Channel's news site, Sci-Fi Wire, an interview with Ronald D. Moore where he states that he's already mapping out season two just as the first season begins its 13-episode run. ‘The network has asked for backup scripts for the second season, so we're working on six scripts right now with the writing staff,’ Moore said in the interview.
Saturday, January 15, 2004
Battlestar Galactica the series premiers in Canada - on Canada's science fiction network SPACE at 6:00 PM starting with the episode "33."
January 16, 2005
Sci-Fi Channel again runs a complete re-airing of the miniseries beginning at 3:00 p.m. and running until 7:00 PM.
January 17, 2005
Battlestar Galactica series episode 12 "Kobol's Last Gleaming" airs on Sky One in the United Kingdom.
Friday January 21, 2005 - 10:00 PM
Battlestar Galactica moves into its regular Friday night at 10:00 PM timeslot.
Airing of the Battlestar Galactica episode "Bastille Day" on Sci-Fi featuring Richard Hatch as Tom Zarek. Richard had of course played Apollo in the original series.
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Battlestar Galactica begins its regular run on SPACE The Imagination Station in Canada, Saturdays at 8:00 PM and then re-run on Sundays at 8:00 PM.
January 24, 2005
Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part Two first airs on Sky One in the United Kingdom.
January 28, 2005
Act of Contrition first airs on Sci-Fi in the United States.
February 4, 2005
You Can't Go Home Again first airs on Sci-Fi in the United States.
February 11, 2005
Litmus first airs on Sci-Fi in the United States.
February 18, 2005
Six Degrees of Separation first airs on Sci-Fi in the United States.
February 25, 2005
Flesh and Bone first airs on Sci-Fi in the United States.
March 4, 2005
Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down first airs on Sci-Fi in the United States.
March 11, 2005
The Hand of God first airs on Sci-Fi in the United States.
March
15, 2005
TV Guide features Battlestar Galactica on the cover of it's March 20th issue.
March 18, 2005
Colonial Day first airs on Sci-Fi in the United States.
March 25, 2005
Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part One first airs on Sci-Fi in the United States.
Friday, April 1, 2005
Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part Two first airs on Sci-Fi in the United States.
May 5, 2005
Dynamic Forces Inc., the parent company of Dynamite Entertainment, announced today its agreement with Universal Studios Consumer Product Group to release comics based on the modern version of Battlestar Galactica. The comic series will launch Fall 2005.
July 8, 2005
Battlestar Galactica is again featured on the cover of TV Guide, this time on the July 10th issue.
July 15, 2005
Scattered, the second season premiere episode, first airs on Sci-Fi in the US.
July 22, 2005
Valley of Darkness first airs on Sci-Fi in the US.
July 29, 2005
Fragged first airs on Sci-Fi in the US.
August 5, 2005
Resistance first airs on Sci-Fi in the US.
August 9, 2005
The first-season premiere episode of Battlestar Galactica, "33", written by Ronald D. Moore and directed by Michael Rymer, wins the 2005 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form.
August 12, 2005
The Farm first airs on Sci-Fi in the US.
August 19, 2005
Home, Part I first airs on Sci-Fi in the US.
August 26, 2005
Home, Part II first airs on Sci-Fi in the US.
September 9, 2005
Final Cut first airs on Sci-Fi in the US.
September 16, 2005
Flight of the Phoenix first airs on Sci-Fi in the US.
September 25, 2005
Pegasus first airs on Sci-Fi in the US. This is the final episode of the first part of Galactica's second season, which will pick up in January 2006. Pegasus is a remake of the classic Galactica episode "Living Legend."
January 11, 2006
Scheduled US airdate for the new episode, Resurrection Ship on Sci-Fi.
back to Mark's Battlestar
Galactica Page
Last Updated on Sunday, October 02, 2005
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